Nigeria to Train 6M Youth in Agribusiness by 2029

Six million young Nigerians are about to get the training and resources they need to build careers in agriculture, thanks to a bold new government initiative that could reshape the country's food system.

The Federal Government launched the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund on Monday in Abuja, partnering with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture to remove the biggest barriers young people face when trying to enter farming. Access to land has long kept ambitious youth out of agriculture, but this program changes that equation entirely.

Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande described the initiative as more than just a training program. Young participants will receive land access, financial support, modern farming technology, business mentorship, and direct connections to markets where they can sell their products.

The program plans to transform 42 existing youth development centers across Nigeria into fully operational agribusiness hubs. These facilities will serve as training grounds and launch pads for at least 500,000 youth-led farming businesses over the next three years.

The timing matters deeply for Nigeria, where youth unemployment remains stubbornly high and food security concerns continue to challenge the nation. By positioning agriculture as a viable career path rather than a fallback option, the program addresses two critical needs at once.

Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director-General of IITA, emphasized that success will be measured by real outcomes: the actual number of young people empowered and thriving businesses created. The National Youth Service Corps has already committed to supporting implementation, giving the initiative access to hundreds of thousands of young graduates each year.

At the launch ceremony, ten young farmers received N1 million each to scale up their existing ventures. Orji Precious, a beekeeper and one of the beneficiaries, called the support timely and transformative for her business.

The Ripple Effect

This program could trigger changes far beyond individual success stories. When young people succeed in agriculture, they create jobs for others, strengthen local food supplies, and keep food prices more stable for their communities.

Training six million youth represents roughly 10 percent of Nigeria's youth population. If even half succeed in establishing viable agribusinesses, the country could see a significant boost in domestic food production while reducing the unemployment that drives many young people to seek opportunities abroad.

The initiative also signals a broader shift in how African nations approach agriculture. Rather than viewing farming as outdated, governments are increasingly recognizing it as a technology-driven, profitable sector that can anchor economic growth when properly supported.

Nigeria now joins countries like Kenya and Rwanda in making major investments in youth agriculture programs. The model combines traditional farming knowledge with modern business practices, creating a new generation of agripreneurs rather than subsistence farmers.

The program launches at a moment when global food security concerns are rising and Nigeria seeks to reduce dependence on food imports. Success here could provide a blueprint for other nations facing similar challenges with youth unemployment and agricultural development.